It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). Repair My Windows And Doors is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you work.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wants.
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.